Lorena Poppe, Executive Director - Lorena has 30 years of experience in the field of disability supports and services. She spent almost 12 years as a disabilities advocate and 15 years in the service provider sector prior to opening Poppy’s Promise. Lorena is passionate about working with kids, young adults, and their families to achieve services that work for each person's unique dreams and goals. Lorena and her husband live north of Mandan with their teenage son, dogs, and cats. They also have two adult children. In her spare time, Lorena enjoys going to her son’s swim meets, gardening, reading and walking.
Kristie Wolff, Board Chair - Kristie is the mom of two adult children on the autism spectrum. She has been a fierce advocate for children and families on the spectrum since her youngest son was diagnosed in 2003. Kristie has served on the Parent Advisory Committees at both BECEP and Simle Middle School and was a member of the Bismarck Public Schools Inclusive Sports Boosters until 2020 when her youngest son graduated. In 2019, Kristie was appointed by Governor Doug Burgum to the North Dakota Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force. She has spent over half her professional career in the non-profit world and is currently the Executive Director of a small statewide non-profit. Kristie has a background in marketing, grassroots education, advocacy, and coalition work. She lives in Mandan with her husband Jeremy, her youngest son and her fur babies. She loves music and rarely passes up an opportunity to see a live rock show.
Tessa Miller, Board Secretary - Tessa and her husband Ryan live in Mandan with their two sons, Asher and Zander, and their golden retriever, Boone. Tessa is an amazing advocate for Asher, who is on the autism spectrum, and wants to ensure he has all the opportunities possible to grow into who he wants to be. She is passionate about being on the board of Keeping the Promise because she is always looking for ways to get involved and volunteer her time to help families who have children with disabilities because her family is one of those. Tessa recently started her own dog grooming business, Tessa's Groom Room, out of her home so she can be more flexible for her family.
Pam Aadness, Board Member - Bio coming soon!
Amy Clemons, Board Member - Amy has over 12 years of experience working with children with disabilities. She worked with pre-school and early elementary aged children for 5 years in the public school system and over 7 years in the service provider arena, to include 5 years as an Autism Program Coordinator. She excels in her current role of Program Director at Poppy's Promise. Amy’s abilities to meet families where they are and practice inclusion at all times are assets that make her a dynamic board member.